The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has vehemently denied widespread rumors circulating on social media, particularly via WhatsApp, that President Bola Tinubu had removed its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, and replaced him with Professor Bashiru Olamilekan.
The unverified message, which spread rapidly, claimed: “INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu has been replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan by President Tinubu.”
In response to inquiries from SaharaReporters, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, dismissed the claims, stating simply: “Please, disregard.”
INEC clarified that Professor Yakubu remains the Chairman, currently serving his second term, which is expected to conclude by the end of the year.
The commission also reiterated the established constitutional process for appointing an INEC Chairman in Nigeria, which involves:
- Presidential nomination.
- Security profiling by the Department of State Services (DSS).
- Advisory review by the National Council of State.
- Senate screening and confirmation.
This swift denial from INEC aims to quell the growing public speculation and reaffirm the stability of its leadership.
